Avalanche hits California ski resort

April 18, 2006

MAMMOTH LAKES, Calif. (AP) -- An avalanche struck a northern California ski resort Monday, but no one was reported trapped or missing. More than 200 people used poles to probe the avalanche area at Mammoth Mountain, but didn't find any victims in the snow after searching two hours, said spokeswoman Joani Lynch. Three or four minor injuries were initially reported after the 2 p.m. avalanche at the resort. But authorities later discounted those reports. Mammoth Mountain has had record snowfall this season -- more than 52 feet since October -- and the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center had posted a warning of "considerable" danger on Monday.